Courts / Dublin / Report

Burglar jailed after CCTV comb-over

Summary

A burglar, Matthew Ahern, 53, was jailed for 17 months after a CCTV video captured him having a haircut in a barbershop next to the house he broke into. He pleaded guilty to burglary at Collins Avenue East, Killester, on 17 February 2016. The home was occupied by a mother and her twins who were napping when the crime occurred. Ahern entered the house, stole an iPad, a laptop, and two mobile phones, and left without any weapons. He had 48 prior convictions, including seven for burglary, dating back to 1982. Judge Karen O'Connor, noting the seriousness of violating a family home, sentenced him to three years' imprisonment with the final 19 months suspended, citing his guilty plea and efforts to change his lifestyle. The suspended portion was intended to keep him out of trouble while in custody. The sentence reflects the judge's concern for the victim's safety and the property stolen.

Who, what, where, when and why

What: Report matter: Burglar jailed after CCTV comb-over. Charges or matters: burglary at Collins Avenue East, Killester on February 17, 2016. Procedural stage: sentence

When:

• February 17, 2016 Incident
• 2018-05-16 Publication

Case subjects

Places mentioned

Topics

Burglary Stage Sentence Theft

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Read the original CNI report